Is it POSSIBLE?? AKL LITE IV?? You betcha...

[Nutty4Disney]

We had a standard view last year and we were so darn happy to be their that we didn't care. We moved from SSR to Kidani; and, for us, a standard view at Kidani beats any view at SSR. Honestly, there are so many great viewing areas that you could be very happy. Book standard and hope for the best. JMHO

I agree there are many many wonderful views to be had at AKL

Thanks. I think I will save the points and stay standard. We enjoy visiting the different viewing areas anyway. I do like to sit on the balcony in the morning before DH gets up, but I think this trip I will be waking him up earlier to get to the parks before it gets hot. We don't usually visit in the summer, but this trip is during our anniversary (August 5). We will only have a few days at the resort before the cruise so we just may wing it. Sit back with my Zebra Domes and a cool drink by the pool. LOL

 

[dgbg100106]

You must visit the bar in Jiko. You can order anything from their menu.

Kathy

DH and I are going for the first time in october. I am so excited.

 

[johnsonet]

Just wanted to chime in - I don't love the (drinks) bar at Jiko. It's pretty chaotic when the restaurant is busy. You can get sort of trapped b/c of people waiting for tables in the restaurant. It's not a large area... Also, if it's quiet, great. But when the restaurant is buzzing, they can get VERY busy filling drinks orders for the servers. It's also right on the way to Jiko's restrooms.

The (cooking) bar within the main part of the restaurant is what I like - but that, of course, is for eating (and drinking ) That is the Cooking Place I recommended to you, Brandi.

For drinks, I like Victoria Falls, especially since PNO4TE confirmed that you can get nibblies up there!

But I know John'sMom was answering about where to have apps and drinks

 

[TruBlu]

We had to change our dates in Dec, so now we are in a std. view instead of pool view. I'm sure we'll love it anyway, but I wanted that pool view.

 

[johnsonet]

We had to change our dates in Dec, so now we are in a std. view instead of pool view. I'm sure we'll love it anyway, but I wanted that pool view.

Sorry for your disappointment. BUT - don't give up - try every day that you can for a pool view room. Also, the resort is awesome and my guess is you'll love it no matter what.

 

[dgbg100106]

Just wanted to chime in - I don't love the (drinks) bar at Jiko. It's pretty chaotic when the restaurant is busy. You can get sort of trapped b/c of people waiting for tables in the restaurant. It's not a large area... Also, if it's quiet, great. But when the restaurant is buzzing, they can get VERY busy filling drinks orders for the servers. It's also right on the way to Jiko's restrooms.

The (cooking) bar within the main part of the restaurant is what I like - but that, of course, is for eating (and drinking ) That is the Cooking Place I recommended to you, Brandi.

For drinks, I like Victoria Falls, especially since PNO4TE confirmed that you can get nibblies up there!

But I know John'sMom was answering about where to have apps and drinks

hopefully my ressie for the Cooking Place will come thru. I am so looking forward to it.

I am afraid I am becoming addicted to WDW and AKL

 

[johnsonet]

hopefully my ressie for the Cooking Place will come thru. I am so looking forward to it.

I am afraid I am becoming addicted to WDW and AKL

I'm there

Oh - and so long as you have an ADR at Jiko, you just request The Cooking Place when you check in at the restaurant's podium. For 2 people it shouldn't be much, if any, of a wait.

 

[wendypooh]

Brook,

Back in 2002 (when I realized I had a WDW addiction! ), I started recording all the room #'s on a list (Word document), which is now absurdly long!! I list the dates, resort, room #, category (also points if DVC) and it gets a * if it was one of those WOW rooms!! I also keep the final bill envelope they put on your door the last morning sad1 in a "Vacation" file box -- which is now bursting at the seams!! I need a bigger box!!!
I've stayed at AKL so many times, I've actually had 2 of the rooms TWICE and AKV I've had the same studio twice!!!

FWIW, my WDW addiction officially began in 1997. I wish I'd begun keeping track of resorts and room #'s back then!

LOL - are you and my DH twins?????

Just back from a week at AKL...and I'm ready to go back. What a fabulous resort! We were in Jambo, pool view on the Zebra trail. Great view of the pool, which is beautiful. I have nothing but great and wonderful things to say about our stay!

YAY - Glad you had a good time!

Saying hello and hanging around to get any new info I can. Stayed AKL in 2004 Savannah with bunk beds and loved it. Booked pool view this time around-would love an upgrade to Savannah but would be fine with a nice view of the pool. First trip at the Christmas season-usually go in October. So I am excited to check out the Christmas decor in all the resorts. Can anyone who has gone during the first week of December clue me in as to what to expect with the weather?

We'll be at Kidani from Dec. 5-10th - we've never been in Dec. but we go a lot in Jan./Feb. - the temps can vary - I've seen temps very warm and then again VERY cold......... so, there is really no "real" answer - but, I pack for both - at the very least a jacket or hoodie.

Welcome back Wendy! Pictures please??

Hi Sweetie - we were at SSR this time and really didn't get a lot of pics there - (didn't like that resort at all) - I'm not doing a TR - but, I'll try to post some pics after DS gets all set for school later this week.

 

[wendypooh]

I'm there

LOL - My BESTIE is DEF. there - she's a loooooon for AKL -LOL

 

[lissiesmum]

Ok...my TA emailed me today to tell me the packages for 2011 are available to book so I checked on WDW website and punched in my dates for AKL (I'm already booked, but just wanted to see what was available...) did you guys know there is a new booking category called Arusha View? It would be an extra $200 and change for the week if you request Arusha Savannah! And under club level, it does not state all rooms located on Arusha Savannah, it states club level rooms can be found on one of the savannahs....I guess things are-a-changing! If they can charge more at the Poly for a guaranteed castle view, I guess they can do it with animal views too unfortunately! So I have one quick question...on my ressie, and with IPO, I requested zebra trail away from lobby...are there any other savannahs located off the zebra trail? If so, I will call back and make sure to note Arusha...just in case I am so lucky!

 

[dgbg100106]

I'm there

Oh - and so long as you have an ADR at Jiko, you just request The Cooking Place when you check in at the restaurant's podium. For 2 people it shouldn't be much, if any, of a wait.

Oh ok thanks. See I need a lot of guidance.

 

[John's Mom]

Just wanted to chime in - I don't love the (drinks) bar at Jiko. It's pretty chaotic when the restaurant is busy. You can get sort of trapped b/c of people waiting for tables in the restaurant. It's not a large area... Also, if it's quiet, great. But when the restaurant is buzzing, they can get VERY busy filling drinks orders for the servers. It's also right on the way to Jiko's restrooms.

The (cooking) bar within the main part of the restaurant is what I like - but that, of course, is for eating (and drinking ) That is the Cooking Place I recommended to you, Brandi.

For drinks, I like Victoria Falls, especially since PNO4TE confirmed that you can get nibblies up there!

But I know John'sMom was answering about where to have apps and drinks

Hi Liz!

We've only visited the Jiko bar early in the evening before the restaurant got busy. I'm sure things are quite different when the place is crowded.

Victoria Falls is a beautiful lounge. I know that there are a few snack items there besides nuts, but can't remember what they are and can't find a menu anywhere online. Maybe someone visiting soon will stop in and take a peek at the menu.

Kathy

 

[dgbg100106]

Oh ok thanks. See I need a lot of guidance.

Just got an email back from Don and he has set my ressie for us at Jiko......

Seems like a nice guy!

 

[johnsonet]

LOL - My BESTIE is DEF. there - she's a loooooon for AKL -LOL

LOL! I'm too tired to find the perfect photo to go along with this

Ok...my TA emailed me today to tell me the packages for 2011 are available to book so I checked on WDW website and punched in my dates for AKL (I'm already booked, but just wanted to see what was available...) did you guys know there is a new booking category called Arusha View? It would be an extra $200 and change for the week if you request Arusha Savannah! And under club level, it does not state all rooms located on Arusha Savannah, it states club level rooms can be found on one of the savannahs....I guess things are-a-changing! If they can charge more at the Poly for a guaranteed castle view, I guess they can do it with animal views too unfortunately! So I have one quick question...on my ressie, and with IPO, I requested zebra trail away from lobby...are there any other savannahs located off the zebra trail? If so, I will call back and make sure to note Arusha...just in case I am so lucky!

Ummm... WOW. This is MAJOR news. Smart, though. Arusha tends to be the best. The CL part is disturbing

Oh ok thanks. See I need a lot of guidance.

You are doing GREAT and your trip is going to be FANTASTIC.

Hi Liz!

We've only visited the Jiko bar early in the evening before the restaurant got busy. I'm sure things are quite different when the place is crowded.

Victoria Falls is a beautiful lounge. I know that there are a few snack items there besides nuts, but can't remember what they are and can't find a menu anywhere online. Maybe someone visiting soon will stop in and take a peek at the menu.

Kathy

Hey Kathy! Yes, I can't find a menu either but PNO4TE said Taste of Africa, so that's good news
I hope someone there now or there soon will take notes for us.

Just got an email back from Don and he has set my ressie for us at Jiko......

Seems like a nice guy!

Don is a total stud He will make your trip Magical

 

[johnsonet]

Hey Everybody, don't forget to check out dgbg100106's Pre-Trip Report. You can find the link in her signature

 

[zippity_do_da]

You can make room requests through IPO. Now that CL rooms are 4th floor, Arusha Savannah view, I just request Zebra Trail to be closer to the pool. (I used to request Arusha Savannah as well, as some of the CL rooms overlooked the Sunset Savannah)
You don't always get what you ask for - I've gotten Kudu Trail a couple of times and both those rooms had some of the best views I've ever had at AKL.
Just depends but it's worth a shot if you have a preference.
I've also requested a bunkbed room when traveling with my daughter and her friend

Thanks!

 

[johnsonet]

Hey Bestie! Who you callin' a loon?

 

[bas71873]

Question! We are staying at AKL in October and I have 2 pool view rooms booked.

1. What floor should I request to get a good view. I really don't want to be on the first floor and I really want a view of the pool . So should I request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor?

2. What is the best way to do that? Call the 407# and have that noted on my ressie or fax a request a few days prior to our arrival?


Thanks!

 

[RachelTori]

Question! We are staying at AKL in October and I have 2 pool view rooms booked.

1. What floor should I request to get a good view. I really don't want to be on the first floor and I really want a view of the pool . So should I request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor?

2. What is the best way to do that? Call the 407# and have that noted on my ressie or fax a request a few days prior to our arrival?


Thanks!

We once had a great pool view room on 3rd floor and it was very convenient to the lobby, restaurants and buses! I'd recommend asking for a room in the 2nd pod off the lobby -- the pod closest to the lobby has more restaurant roof view than actual pool view.

I'd call WDT and have the request added to your reservation now. Faxes may not be seen by room assigners.

 

[bas71873]

We once had a great pool view room on 3rd floor and it was very convenient to the lobby, restaurants and buses! I'd recommend asking for a room in the 2nd pod off the lobby -- the pod closest to the lobby has more restaurant roof view than actual pool view.

I'd call WDT and have the request added to your reservation now. Faxes may not be seen by room assigners.

THANKS! I will put that in my notes to call!